Braun Strowman has been notably absent from WWE’s recent programming, including the January 3rd episode of SmackDown (which expanded to a 3-hour format) and the debut of Raw on Netflix on January 6th.

The powerhouse superstar took to social media to explain that he had been sidelined due to a severe bout of the flu, which has left him struggling since the start of the new year.

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The extensive caption to Strowman’s post reads:

“We’ll see if people read what I post or not. Or just look at the cool pix. 2025 has been off to a ruff start for me. I picked up some kind of a bug last week and it had absolutely whipped my ass. I laid in a hotel room for four days three with a fever of 102 or higher for the first three days. A week later I am finally over what I think is the hump. My sever body aches are finally easing up. Today is the first day I have been able to move around and really do anything. I have lost 36lbs in this week. Had test taken and all they could determine is that it was a very bad Flu thankfully. I hate I have had to miss last weeks smackdown the premier of Raw on Netflix and I will miss tv again this week. This is yet another speed bump in the road. I will be back bigger stronger and badder than ever!!!

There hasn’t been anything this life has thrown at me that I haven’t been able to able to OVERCOME and this sure as hell isn’t gonna stop me in having one of my best years to date!!!!!

2025 your ass is mine!!!!”

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Strowman, who had recently made his return to SmackDown on December 13, had quickly gotten involved in an exciting new storyline with Carmelo Hayes.

Their program was beginning to pick up steam, but Strowman’s sudden absence from TV left fans wondering what happened. Now it’s clear: after battling through days of fever, body aches, and other flu symptoms, the former champion revealed he had lost an incredible 36 pounds in just one week due to the illness.

This flu setback adds to a string of challenges Strowman faced in 2024. Last year, he endured a torn groin during his Last Monster Standing match with Bronson Reed—an injury that occurred just minutes into the 19-minute contest.

Despite the painful setback, Strowman powered through the match and emerged victorious, solidifying his reputation for resilience.

We hope Strowman recovers quickly.

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